Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Would you rather have cheap energy, or stupid culture wars?

2201. Would you rather have cheap energy, or stupid culture wars?

Noah Smith critiques Trump's budget bill for its detrimental impact on renewable energy and its prioritization of fossil fuels over sustainable energy sources.

Here comes the bridal gown tariff

2202. Here comes the bridal gown tariff

Alina Selyukh discusses how U.S. trade tariffs are impacting wedding planning costs and decisions for couples.

Gold: The Challenger to Dollar Reserves?

2203. Gold: The Challenger to Dollar Reserves?

An argument that gold is increasingly becoming a significant component of central bank reserves, influenced by geopolitical concerns and the perceived risks associated with the dollar.

Two Housing Crashes

2204. Two Housing Crashes

A comparison of the housing crashes in China and the US, highlighting economic impacts and contrasting monetary policy responses during each crisis.

'Kisses yes, Bezos No,' protesters say, as Bezos wedding stirs controversy in Venice

2205. 'Kisses yes, Bezos No,' protesters say, as Bezos wedding stirs controversy in Venice

The Associated Press discusses protests against Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice, highlighting concerns over inequality and local residents' sentiments.

CEA Unleashed!

2206. CEA Unleashed!

Menzie Chinn discusses the economic implications of deregulation and its potential impact on deficit reduction and growth, referencing various studies and estimates.

Did the Thunder get too good, too fast?

2207. Did the Thunder get too good, too fast?

An argument that the Oklahoma City Thunder's rapid success in the NBA may not be a fluke, supported by statistical analysis and historical context of their performance.

“That Drop in Consumer Income in May Was a False Recession Alarm”

2208. “That Drop in Consumer Income in May Was a False Recession Alarm”

Menzie Chinn analyzes the recent decline in personal income and consumption spending, arguing that it does not necessarily indicate an impending recession.

Missing the Mark: When Punishment Reinforces the Wrong Behavior

2209. Missing the Mark: When Punishment Reinforces the Wrong Behavior

An argument that punitive measures in aviation safety may discourage transparency and accountability, ultimately leading to increased risks rather than improved safety outcomes.

J.M. Smucker plans to remove artificial colors from its jams and other products

2210. J.M. Smucker plans to remove artificial colors from its jams and other products

A major food company plans to eliminate artificial colors from its products, aligning with industry trends towards healthier ingredients.

Schedule for Week of June 29, 2025

2211. Schedule for Week of June 29, 2025

The post outlines the key economic reports and events scheduled for the week of June 29, 2025, including employment data and manufacturing surveys.

Opinion: Remembering Bill Moyers

2212. Opinion: Remembering Bill Moyers

Scott Simon reflects on the remarkable life and career of Bill Moyers, highlighting his contributions to journalism and public broadcasting.

Looking forward to July 4 fireworks? Tariffs may take the spark out of your fun

2213. Looking forward to July 4 fireworks? Tariffs may take the spark out of your fun

Scott Horsley discusses how tariffs on Chinese-made fireworks may lead to increased prices for consumers this Fourth of July.

Dollar Decline and Incipient Inflationary Pressures

2214. Dollar Decline and Incipient Inflationary Pressures

A discussion on the dollar's decline, its implications for inflation, and the potential impact of tariffs and economic policies on price pressures.

When Trump met crypto

2215. When Trump met crypto

Andrea Bernstein discusses the evolving relationship between Trump and the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting his investments and the political implications of this shift.

Las Vegas in May: Visitor Traffic Down 6.5% YoY; Convention Traffic up 10.7% YoY

2216. Las Vegas in May: Visitor Traffic Down 6.5% YoY; Convention Traffic up 10.7% YoY

Visitor traffic in Las Vegas decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, while convention attendance increased by 10.7%, reflecting ongoing economic challenges and event scheduling changes.

GDP Nowcast Dispersion plus Slowing Final Sales to Private Domestic Purchasers

2217. GDP Nowcast Dispersion plus Slowing Final Sales to Private Domestic Purchasers

Menzie Chinn discusses GDPNow's decline and the deceleration of final sales to private domestic purchasers based on recent economic indicators.

The Importance of Foreign Literature

2218. The Importance of Foreign Literature

Jon Murphy explores Natsume Sōseki's "I am a Cat," connecting its themes to modern American society and reflecting on historical and cultural changes in Japan.

Business Cycle Indicators: The Slowdown Cometh?

2219. Business Cycle Indicators: The Slowdown Cometh?

The post analyzes recent economic indicators suggesting a potential slowdown, focusing on declines in personal income, consumption, and employment metrics.

Voice, Exit, and Cheerleaders

2220. Voice, Exit, and Cheerleaders

The discussion centers on the balance between passion and fair compensation for cheerleaders, highlighting the concepts of voice and exit in their negotiations with management.